New Paths in Space Exploration

Texas State University collaborates with NASA

When Jacobs secured its $1.9 billion dollar primary contract with NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC), it turned to Texas State. As an emerging research institution with diverse technological capabilities, the university was Jacobs' top choice to join forces with ongoing, design-specific development activities. In May 2014, the university signed a multi-million dollar agreement to collaborate with Jacobs on advanced engineering and science work for NASA's JSC.

The Ingram School of Engineering is working on the first task orders, which include projects supported, in part, by the Avionics Architectures for Exploration program in support of and directed toward the International Space Station and manned missions to Mars. Senior engineering students are fully immersed in expanding smart watch capabilities for astronauts as well as designing software for a multi-touch display for use in space habitats.

This is the beginning of a long-term relationship that promises invaluable opportunities in cutting edge, applied research. In the future, a range of projects will involve many disciplines and areas of the Texas State community. For students and faculty, setting their sights on space opens new frontiers and far-reaching possibilities.

World-class facilities under one roof

A major benefit for the Jacobs partnership at Texas State is the Roy F. Mitte Complex. It houses the Ingram School of Engineering as well as the Department of Engineering Technology, the Department of Physics and the Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization Program. With over 25 labs, the building offers a comprehensive range of technological and advanced manufacturing capabilities, which include:

The largest university-run molecular beam epitaxy facility in the U.S.

The largest and best-equipped polymer processing at a university in the western U.S.

Industrial robotics

Rapid prototyping labs and high precision machining

A novel, industry-funded lab for testing the “Internet of Things” technologies

A state-of-the-art lab for developing and testing technologies related to renewable and sustainable energy

Rising Star - Dr. Stan McClellan

Dr. Stan McClellan is the director of the Ingram School of Engineering at Texas State University. In addition, he oversees the university’s partnership with Jacobs to work on advanced engineering and science work for NASA. Read the Q&A.